5 Questions with Shaday Vassel

Shaday Vassel is on a mission to reach as many people as possible through her social media presence, encouraging young people that their goals are achievable despite their background. Entirely appropriate because Shaday remained humbled and determined through her circumstances until she was able to achieve both her long and short terms goals.

She is now a scientist, the owner of two businesses, a YouTuber, influencer, praise and worship leader and advocate. None of her achievements came because she was privileged. Shaday struggled financially and kept a bright smile while working to be where she is now. She is also proudly and generously being light and inspiration for others suffering similar circumstances as she did. Shaday believes that “being a leader does not make you better than others, but allows others to be better.

Today, as the Education Jamaica Magazine shares her story, we hope it will give you a big push to conquer regardless of your struggles. You are capable, enjoy!

Tell us a little about your childhood and family background?

I was born in Kingston and moved to the beautiful bread basket parish of Jamaica, St.Elizabeth. My parents have been farmers, we lived in the lower part of Southfield. I grew up helping them on the farm; I can remember as far as primary school, in grade 4. My siblings and I had to wake early at about 4:30 am to brush our teeth, put on our sweaters, drink a cup of tea, get in the van back and head to our parents' farm. We didn’t have an irrigation water system, so we had to water the crop manually. This was acres of land. We considered ourselves melon kings and queens because we farmed melon and could tell you everything about it; when it’s ripe or green, fresh or sweet. This happened straight through to high school. I went to Black River High, and because it is a shift school, I would work before going to school. Let’s just say I preferred the morning shift because I wouldn’t have to go to the farm. Looking back, I believe my background plays a critical role in the woman I am today: hardworking, dedicated and resilient.

What keeps you motivated?

My motivation stemmed from my humble beginnings. From an early age, I was motivated for success. Although success is subjective, I said to myself I didn’t want to work as much as my parents. Little did I know that nothing in life comes easy. My escape route was to get an education because I was told: “Education is the Key to Success.”

I learnt how to read and write in primary school. I was the student that struggled to reach the average pass mark. The only thing I was good at was mathematics because I was a problem solver. Do you believe in purpose? I believe my life changed when I was 12 years old when I prayed a single prayer to the Lord. I wasn’t a Christian at the time. My prayer was, Lord, please let me pass for a “good school", and I will serve you. My mock GSAT average was a little over 50, and I passed for Black River High with over 80% average. One of my proudest moments was graduating from Black River High with a total of 10 CSEC subjects. I knew I worked hard, but it was unbelievable. Purpose grew in me!

I got the opportunity to attend Hampton 6th form, the top High School in St.Elizabeth. Despite my financial struggles, I have already made strides in my family’s heritage for being the first to attend university. Also, regardless of struggling financially through university, I was determined not to take a student loan. I applied for scholarships, worked part-time, and went on the work and travel program. I graduated in the heart of the pandemic in November 2020 from the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Science, Major in Forensic Chemistry (Hons). So what keeps me motivated is the word success. I finally started believing in myself and realising I could do anything I put my mind to. Yes, I want to make my parents and my family proud, but I want to live a life that I am proud of, so each day, I live it purposefully each day.

I am an Entrepreneur, owner of two businesses: Oomph Collection, a jewellery store and Beautiful and Handsomes supplies, a beauty and self-care store. I am a social media influencer and YouTuber. My YouTube channel is Shadz Lifestyle; on my channel, I share my journey and coach young people to stay motivated and create multiple streams of income. I am a Scientist and have been promoted two times in one year. I am a youth leader and youths advocate. I am the praise and worship leader for “As I Am Ministry” and Public Relations Chair for Generation 2000 (G2K) Kingston and St.Andrew Chapter. With all those belts, the biggest achievement is that I am a purpose-driven Christian.

What was your driving force to become an entrepreneur?

I have been an entrepreneur since I was a teenager. This venture started with me selling sweets in high school. How can I not be an entrepreneur when my parents sell watermelon for a living? I use to go to the coronation market in the summer when I was a teenager and even on weekends when I was in college, to help my parents sell. Entrepreneurship is in my DNA. The driving force to start my business was my mindset. I wanted to graduate debt-free from university and beat the system. I knew I had to be creative and one of the ways to make money is to buy and sell, so I started doing what I knew best - sales. That was a contributing factor in me financing my education, but I wasn’t committed so I stopped for a while.

When the pandemic started, I just finished university. I was jobless and it was hard to find jobs at the time. I applied for over 20 jobs within and outside my field and I spent over 100,000 JMD in the application process. I became depressed because I was unsuccessful. I had to go back to the drawing board; I put all the savings I had at the time into my businesses, registered them in 2021 I made over 300 jewellery sales. Although I have a 9-5, I am proud to be a CEO. I believe in multiple streams of income. Always challenge and invest in yourself.

Tell us about your businesses and how interested persons can connect.

In 2018, I was inspired when I bought a gift for my friend online. I decided that it was time for me to expand. I started my online business so I could provide gift items to people so they too can feel special. I have two businesses: a jewellery store and a beauty supply store. “Oomph Collection" is a jewellery store that sells personalized high-quality sterling silver and 18k gold plated stainless steel jewellery. If you need a birthday present, wedding gift for men, women, and children, then a personalized necklace or bracelet is just for you. You can find me on Instagram at Oomph_Collection or WhatsApp at 876-481-7623. My dream is to further expand this business so it can provide job opportunities. I strive to be as big as Amazon.

As a youth advocate, what's one piece of advice you would give to young people who are trying to rise above the odds?

It is not cliché; perseverance brings success.

The first thing you have to do is believe in yourself. You are capable of doing the impossible. We all have a story so live your life and write your own book; create your own story. Your mindset is what separates you from everyone else. Have a goal, create a plan, break it down into small steps and milestones, you have to work for what you want. Discipline and consistency are better than perfection. Also, be inspired and find a mentor; I am available if you need me. I will be launching my Goal and Mindset Planners on the 1st of March. This will help you to be structured and create a million-dollar mindset.